Window frame system

Abstract

The present invention is a window frame wherein all of the structural members are formed with the same substantially identically-shaped configuration by metal extrusion. A plurality of structural members are arranged to form a supporting structure. Each structural member has a U-shaped channel and a second arm spaced apart on defined by a base portion having a first arm and a second arms spaced apart on opposite lengthwise sides of said base portions. The first and second arms extending from said base portion have end portion turned inward and extending in a direction toward said base portion. Fastener detachable secure the plurality of structural members into a configuration adapted to detachable mount a translucent barrier within the supporting structure formed by the structural members.

I claim:  
     
       1. A window support member comprising: 
       a first structural member,  
       a second structural member, and  
       a third structural member,  
       wherein each of said first, second, and third structural members have identically-shaped extruded configurations, wherein each of said first, second, and third structural members have a U-shaped channel therein defined by a base portion having a first arm and a second arm spaced apart on opposite lengthwise sides of said base portion, wherein said first and second arms extend from said base portion, said base portion and said first and second arms each having an inside surface and an outside surface, said first and second arms having end portions, wherein said end portions turn inward and extend in a direction toward said base portion, said end portions also having inside and outside surfaces, said end portions of said first and second arms being in substantially parallel relationship to one another, and wherein said end portions of said first and second arms and said base portion are in substantially parallel relationship to one another; and  
       at least one fastener adapted to detachable secure said first, second and third structural members to form a supporting structure, wherein said first, second and third structural members are adapted to detachable mount a translucent barrier within said supporting structure formed by said structural members, wherein said outside surface of said first arm of said first structural member is in overlying relation with at least a portion of said outside surface of either said first end portion or said second end portion of said second structural member, said outside surface of said second arm of said first structural member being in further overlying relation with at least a portion of said outside surface of said base portion of said third structural member.  
     
     
       2. The window support member of  claim 1 , wherein said defined channel of said first structural frame member and said defined channel of said second structural frame member face inwardly toward said translucent barrier, and said defined channel of said third structural frame member faces outwardly away from said translucent barrier. 
     
     
       3. The window support member of  claim 2 , wherein one of said fasteners is adapted for nesting in said first end portion and said second end portion of said second structural frame member and for slidingly engaging therewith, said fastener of said second structural member being further adapted to engage said third structural member to draw said second structural member and said third structural member together over said first structural member and said translucent barrier. 
     
     
       4. The window support member of  claim 1 , wherein said fastener of said second structural member engages said third structural member in the region of said second and third structural members outwardly beyond said detachable mounted translucent barrier. 
     
     
       5. The window support member of  claim 1 , wherein a first gasket is disposed between said second structural member and said translucent barrier and a second gasket is disposed between said third structural member and said translucent barrier, said first and second gasket establishing a seal substantially impervious to the penetration of atmosphere and water. 
     
     
       6. The window support member of  claim 1 , wherein said fastener of said second structural member passes through said outside surface of said base portion of said third structural member to engage said inside surface of said base portion of said third structural member.